St. Luke’s Hospital is pleased to announce Julie Fike has accepted the position of thrift shop manager. In this position, She will work closely with 40 dedicated thrift shop volunteers and manage the day-to-day operations of the St. Luke’s Hospital Thrift Shop.

Already a volunteer at St. Luke’s Hospital, this was an easy decision for Julie.

“A few years ago I was a patient at St. Luke’s and know in my heart the care I received, saved my life,” Julie explained. “I decided right then to give something back to this wonderful hospital and the best way to do that is volunteering with the auxiliary.”

Julie is retired from the world of business. After selling her office supply business in Charlotte, she moved to Lake Lure and worked as manager of the Chimney Rock Gift Shop where she met her husband, Russ. For the next 21 years they operated R&J Construction. The last six years of their professional lives, Julie and her husband travelled the country as sub-contractors for Blue Ridge Log Cabins.

Turning her thoughts to her new position, Julie said, “It’s a plus that our area has a cluster of at least five thrift stores, because people will often visit all five when they are in the area. We’re not Macy’s, but our inventory is always changing thanks to the generous donations from the community, and that’s what makes us very unique.”

“It’s great to know that the money we raise through the thrift shop goes back into helping our community hospital,” Julie said.

Julie and her husband live in Sunny View. They have one son, two daughters, 12 grandchildren and three great children.

The St. Luke’s Thrift Shop located at 148 Trade Street in Tryon, is always in need of donations. The shop accepts furniture, clothing, jewelry, home décor and kitchen items such as toasters and dishes.

There are always opportunities for volunteers at St. Luke’s Thrift Shop. Cashiers, sorters and pricers are needed. The shop depends on 40 volunteers to keep it open, stocked and attractive to the public. The St. Luke’s Thrift Shop is located in downtown Tryon at 148 North Trade St. and operates Monday – Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Anyone interested in volunteering at the thrift shop or anywhere at St. Luke’s Hospital, should call Gayle Cook, Volunteer Services, at 828-894-0895 for more information and an application.

 

– Submitted by 

Jennifer Wilson